spasm
spasm
noun \ˈspa-zəm\Definition of SPASM
1
: an involuntary and abnormal muscular contraction
2
: a sudden violent and temporary effort, emotion, or sensation <a spasm of creativity> <spasms of pain>
— spasm intransitive verb
Examples of SPASM
- a disease that causes muscle spasms
- He was racked with coughing spasms.
- She was suffering spasms of guilt.
Origin of SPASM
Middle English spasme, from Anglo-French espasme, from Latin spasmus, from Greek spasmos, from span to draw, pull
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to SPASM
- Synonyms
- charley horse, crick, kink, 1cramp
Rhymes with SPASM
spasm
noun \ˈspaz-əm\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of SPASM
1
: an involuntary and abnormal contraction of muscle or muscle fibers or of a hollow organ (as an artery, the colon, or the esophagus) that consists largely of involuntary muscle fibers
2
: the state or condition of a muscle or organ affected with spasms <the renal artery went into spasm>
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